Voxeljet develops VX7000 large-format 3D printer for industrial-scale production

Voxeljet GmbH, the Germany-based manufacturer of industrial sand binder jetting 3D printing systems, is developing a new large-format binder jet printer, the VX7000, designed for industrial-scale production and customer-specific applications. The system, now entering production at a customer site, extends voxeljet’s technology portfolio with a build volume of approximately 7,000 x 7,000 x 1,000 millimeters and the ability to process more than 60 tons of sand in a single job.

The VX7000 draws on the company’s experience from developing the VX9000 system with GE, which was recently used to print 9.5-meter-long sand molds for industrial castings. Building on that foundation, the VX7000 represents the next phase in voxeljet’s large-format binder jet platform, combining scalable hardware architecture with improved precision and material efficiency.

Reengineered for scalability

Unlike conventional systems with descending build platforms, the VX7000 uses a reversed build approach in which the foundation remains stationary while the printhead and recoater assemblies move upward along the Z-axis. This architecture enables consistent surface quality over extremely large build areas and can be adapted to customer-specific height or length requirements without redesigning the core system.

The machine is equipped with four one-meter-wide printheads, each featuring 7,168 nozzles. In its standard configuration, the VX7000 can achieve layer times below 100 seconds. The system can be scaled by adding or removing printheads to meet throughput or investment objectives. A central pressurized binder supply maintains consistent printhead performance and uniform part quality.

Integrated material and process control

The VX7000 includes a fully integrated sand logistics system, feeding the recoater continuously with conditioned material through a closed, dust-free circuit. A central industrial mixer blends virgin, reclaimed, and activated sand before distribution into buffer silos. This setup supports uninterrupted printing with consistent layer properties, even for large or high-density jobs.

Precision is achieved through several structural and mechanical features, including a cast-concrete build platform mounted on rails for rigidity and thermal stability. The platform can be rolled out of the printer for unpacking without disrupting alignment. Eight synchronized vertical drives manage Z-axis motion, while a tubular steel frame and direct-drive mechanics maintain stiffness during operation.

Designed for uptime

To minimize maintenance downtime, the VX7000 incorporates modular cleaning systems for both the recoater and printheads. Expelled binder from purge routines can be recovered and reused, reducing material waste. The next-generation recoater design uses multiple independently controlled subunits, synchronized to produce uniform layers while enabling partial operation if a subunit requires service.

Voxeljet describes the VX7000 as a step toward high-volume additive manufacturing in foundry and industrial environments. By combining modular scalability with large-format precision, the system positions voxeljet to address applications requiring high throughput and complex geometries at meter-scale dimensions.